by Flora Dare
“You really love your sister.”
“Des is a handful of a little sister, mischievous as hell. But she has a heart as big as the world.”
They talked and laughed back and forth about old cars throughout the meal. He stood and offered Jolie his hand. “Madam, I would be honored if you accompanied me to the ballroom and danced with me.”
Smiling, she took his hand and followed him to the next room.
9
The champagne bubbles danced on Jolie’s tongue and lit a fire in her veins. The vast ballroom should have intimidated her, instead she felt like she was walking on clouds. The band struck up a waltz and Gabe swept her on to the dance floor.
It took all her concentration to keep up with him, after she finally fell into the pattern she realized his hand slid from her waist to the small of her back. The very bare small of her back.
He guided her easily around the dance floor. She wasn’t sure how she kept from falling all over herself, because the movements of his hand on her skin fanned flames that she couldn’t control.
It was their first meeting all over again. All she could do was stare up into his eyes silently. He’s so handsome and he looks at me like I’m the only woman he sees. The song ended and he guided her to a quiet nook. She backed away, but he followed, crowding her with his body until she couldn’t tell where he ended and she began.
She finally said, “I can’t talk with you so close. So near me.”
“I don’t want to talk.” His voice was hoarse, like he was struggling to speak. “I want to kiss you.”
She tilted her face up to his and licked the edge of her lips. His eyes caught the movement, he groaned and lowered his mouth to hers. He hovered above her, close enough that she could feel the heat of his lips when a soft, “Please,” came from him.
Jolie’s body was on fire and she’d never wanted anyone like this. She cast aside every doubtful whisper in her head and lifted her chin the scant millimeter they needed to connect. His lips were intoxicating on hers. She gasped as the delicious shock of their mouths touching coursed through her body.
He took advantage of her parted lips and claimed her mouth with a hungry urgency. His hands explored her back, while she fisted the lapels of his jacket. When his hand crept low enough that it grazed the top of her rounded bottom, she finally remembered where they were and pulled back from his sweet invasion.
Wild exaltation coursed through her body and she had to have him right now, all consequences be damned. Her nipples were rock hard and she was shocked at how ready her core was for him. His eyes blazed into hers.
“I want you.” His words were simple, but the strength of them moved her. His hard cock was pressed against her hip, his arousal practically burning her through their layers of clothing. His eyes burned with hunger and she ached with the same need.
She swallowed hard and found her voice. “I want you, too.”
To admit so simply the explosive passion between them was delicious. She’d never felt so free, so right. She was a beautiful woman he wanted, and it felt so good to be wanted.
His hand rubbed tantalizing circles against her back. Every time his fingers dipped lower, she melted a little more against him. The proof of his desire throbbed and grew even larger and she wanted to feel him sliding deep into her core.
His fingers skimmed her bottom again and his eyes fluttered closed. His grasp on her tightened and his next words came out in a low rasp. “You aren’t wearing panties, are you?”
She shook her head, unable to speak. His groan was enthralling. He really did want her. Dammit she was going to have to tell Zane she was right. Zane is going to be utterly insufferable after this.
His eyes finally opened. “Come home with me.”
Her mind stuttered. She knew what that meant. Go with him, make love to him, be utterly vulnerable to him. It terrified and thrilled her. She’d always let her fear and insecurity rule her. But not tonight. Not ever again. But she still couldn’t find her voice so she nodded her head once.
His grin split his face and he eased back from her. They turned as one and started to walk around the edge of the room, to escape the crowded event. Jolie’s mind was filled with him and it made everyone else invisible to her. They were almost out of the room when a man stepped in front of them, shattering the moment.
“There you are, Gabe! We were wondering where you’d hidden.” His voice rang with joviality and Jolie instantly hated him. Mostly for interrupting them, but also for the falseness she sensed. “I know you demurred, but the Founder’s Circle is about to do the big announcement, so we need you up there, big guy.”
Jolie looked over to her date, confused. What the hell was he talking about? But Gabe didn’t look confused, he looked pissed. Pissed with a hint of guilty. Her stomach dropped.
Oh shit. He’s not who he said he was. He’s not a mechanic. Mechanics don’t get have to make announcements at the year’s biggest charity event.
Gabe’s eyes met hers and he said, “Jolie…”
She pasted a blank smile on her face and pretended she hadn’t caught on to his lies. “You should do what you need to do.”
The other man winked at her and said, “My assistant will take care of your date during the announcement. Really appreciate you stepping up like this.”
She refused to look back at him as the other man hustled him away. A young woman stepped up to her and said, “If you come this way, there is a lovely VIP area, so many people will want to meet Mr. Jacobs.”
Jolie’s heart fell. She didn’t recognize his name as someone important or famous or anything, but he’d lied to her. Lied because it’s what he thought she wanted to hear. Because it would get him in her pants.
And it almost worked.
She turned her brightest smile to the woman and said, “Actually, I was about to leave and Mr. Jacobs was escorting me outside to the taxi stand. It’s easier than calling his car around.” She’d never lied so smoothly before in her life.
Potential fated mate or not, she was going to get the hell away from him.
I’d rather adopt a thousand cats and die alone then be with a man who lies to me about who he is.
10
“You have five minutes or you’re going to the site in your robe.”
Jolie lifted her head from her pillow and glared at Zane. “I never should have given you a key to my house.”
“Well you did. And here I am.” She set a cup down on the table. “But don’t be too sad, I got you a coffee.”
“Hate. I have nothing but hate for you. Heat of a thousand suns worth of hate.”
“So, I’m going to go downstairs and make a carafe of ice water. If you are down there in five minutes, we take it to the work site.” Zane smiled. “If you aren’t, I bring it up here and dump it on your head.”
Jolie sat up and glared at her friend. “Don’t treat me like a toddler.”
“Then stop acting like one!” Zane snapped.
“You were the one who told me to have a good wallow after a heartbreak!”
Zane handed Jolie her robe. “And you did. All weekend. Now, we have an awesome project to check out. Losing yourself in a historical garden that needs all your attention will serve as a good distraction.”
Tears welled in Jolie’s eyes. “I very much doubt that, Zane. I really liked him. I thought…it’s so stupid. I really thought he was The One, you know? Stupid fated mate bullshit. But that only existed in my head,” Jolie grumbled.
“Being a fated mate doesn’t mean you’re immune to them being a jerk or making a mistake.”
“A mistake?” Jolie’s voice rose an octave. “He lied to me about who he was.”
“Oh hon, I know. Our animal sides are a lot simpler than our human bits.”
“Well, my animal side is an idiot and I’m free to ignore her completely.” Said animal side decided nibbling and biting at her was a good idea. Apparently it didn’t like being called an idiot. Even if it was one.
�
��And distracting yourself with work will really help.” Zane offered her hand to Jolie.” You’ll feel a lot better if you can get your face in the sun and your hands in the dirt.”
Jolie took her hand. “Promise?”
With a grunt, Zane pulled Jolie out of the bed. “Better, I bet you will.”
“You bet? Anything?” A spark of mischief lit in Jolie’s eyes.
“You can’t lie about it, but I bet anything going to the site today with me will help distract you from this guy. You’ll barely think about him.”
Jolie held her finger out, “Pinky swear?”
“Pinky swear!” And they shook on it.
Jolie wasn’t ready to admit defeat yet, but she almost did the second they drove up to the house. “Did you say we had a good budget?”
Zane said, “Practically unlimited if we can bring it back to its prime.”
“You really do know how to distract a girl. That is basically my dream house. Well, mansion.” Jolie could practically picture the front foyer. It better still have a chandelier. “God, I hope they didn’t scour the details from the inside.”
“I haven’t been inside, but I bet if we ask nice, she’ll give us a tour.”
Jolie said, “You haven’t told me anything about this job.”
“She contacted me last week. Liked what you did at the museum. Wanted us to look at the property and come up with a proposal.”
Despite herself, Jolie was eager to walk the grounds. “Do you think they have any references of what it was like originally.”
Zane said, “She’s meeting us for lunch, so we can ask her then. She’s expecting us to let ourselves in and check stuff out, before we meet her.”
They wandered in the back of the house and meandered around.
“Geez, Zane, it goes on forever.” Jolie was excited and a little overwhelmed at the prospect.
“We are definitely going to need a bigger crew.” Zane’s tone was awed and irritated. “Damn, I hate having to manage huge crews. I’d rather get in there and work.”
“Worse things have happened. God I hope there is some reference about this place, because I can see what I guess are the bones of the original plans.” The sprawling grounds were calling to Jolie. “In fact, grab a trowel. I think there might be a filled in second pool in the back.”
Zane groused a little but followed Jolie and they both rooted around.
“Oh, help me here, Zane.” Her friend grumbled but joined her and they dug down until Jolie could better see the structure. “Unlimited budget you say? Because pretty sure I want to uncover this. It might be more of a water feature than a pool, but I still think it’s what this spot needs.”
Jolie sat back on her heels and brushed the dirt off her hands as both women smiled at each other.
Zane said, “Well, if nothing else, this should be solid work for a few months. Assuming they actually have the budget they say they do.”
“Nice to know we can put beans on the table for a few more days.”
They heard a rustling in the undergrowth and a very small, very agitated dog burst out next to them. He seemed as surprised to see them as they were of him.
He froze and trembled until Jolie reached out a hand and made soothing sounds at him. He scooted under her hand, licking her and whining. His little body leaned against hers and trembled.
A woman came around the corner and waved at them.
“You can feel free to ignore that little liar. You must be Zane and Jolie, I’m Mona.”
Zane popped up from the ground and waved at her. “Sorry for not shaking hands, we were doing some light excavating.”
Mona said, “Find anything interesting?”
Zane pointed to the exposed tiles. “Another interesting line item. Used to be a pool or fountain here.”
Mona nodded at her. “I found the original plans and it was a small pool. I know I said it was a restoration, but we’ll probably want to change a few things.”
Jolie said, “We figured as much. Maybe we can talk about how you want to use the space.”
Mona said, “How about we head back to the house? Lunch is being set up on the terrace.”
Jolie gestured at the small, still trembling dog. “Is he really okay? Why is he so freaked out?”
Mona laughed and leaned over and spoke directly to the dog, “Okay, Rex. The jig is up. We’re on to you.” The dog stood up and gave himself a good shake. Jolie could have sworn he was smiling, but he definitely wasn’t trembling anymore. “Good boy. I put tuna out for you.” With that, he trotted off jauntily down the path towards the house.
Zane laughed. “So, he thought we were suckers?”
“Oh yeah, he had you pegged. Although you probably did startle him. We don’t get a lot of visitors.” They walked down the path together. “And don’t trust that little asshole. I locked him out of my closet because he ate my favorite pair of Louboutin’s. And then that fucker waited until I was walking out of the bathroom, looked me dead in the eyes, and shit in the middle of my bed.”
11
After Des dropped off coffee, Gabe finally rolled out of bed. He could have murdered the stupid sycophant that took him away from Jolie at the Ball.
It’s my own damn fault. I saw the look in her eyes the moment she realized I wasn’t just a mechanic. That I was something way different. He hadn’t meant to lie, per say, it was…He wanted her to like him for him. After his divorce, he’d sworn he’d never trust anyone again. When someone had pots of money, people wanted to get their own piece of it.
And he hadn’t wanted to see her eyes sparkle with avarice. Instead, he misjudged Jolie completely. Her eyes had gone almost black and the hurt was writ all over her face. He flinched from the memory of the moment she had gone from being so vulnerable and open to him, wanting him back as much as he wanted her. The moment it had gone from them being the only two people in the room.
That vulnerability is what lead to her walking away with a shuttered face without saying another word. He’d hoped she’d be waiting for him, had prayed. But when he finally got off the stage, the assistant he’d left her with had chirped that she’d taken care of escorting Jolie to her taxi and she was safely off. Could have killed her, she was so pleased, thought she’d done such a good job.
It was finally Monday. He could leave another message for Mate in a Minute. I’m sure they won’t think I’m batshit crazy if I leave another rambling message with them. They’ll get right back to me.
She was The One and he’d royally fucked up, and his bear was screaming in his ear to shift and sniff her down. He had no way of knowing how to even find her. Or how to make it right with her when he did.
Des might be a very irritating little sister, but she would know what he should do next. She’d let him mope all weekend, although they had mysteriously run out of booze when he decided he needed a bender. As much as it annoyed him to admit, he was glad. I’d have been mooning under every window, serenading strangers hoping to find her. The Chief of Police would have never forgiven me.
He threw open the curtains and let light flood into the room. He saw his sister making her way back to the house with two strangers. Shit, I’m going to have to put up with them until I can get Des alone. He started to turn away when something about one of the women caught his eye.
He knew. It was Her. What the hell had Des done? Thoughts whirled in his mind, recalling their conversation. “I promise I won’t do anything stupid or crazy or stalkery, okay?” His grip tightened on the window sill as they approached the house. This is why no one trusts lawyers, Des. She’s going to think I tricked her again.
I’m going to lose her, this time forever.
He panicked and his bear was done being tamed, when faced with the loss of his mate, it screamed for satisfaction. Before he’d realized it, he was half shifted and running down the stairs. Heading for Jolie.
He wrestled for control to keep from shifting, but his mind was wild and untamed.
“Mine!” He roared
the single word as he burst through the doors to the back terrace and the three women froze, staring at him.
His sister approached, raising her hands. “Hang on cowboy, you need to settle down.”
He growled at Des, forcing human words past partially shifted teeth. “You tell her right now. You did this. I didn’t trick her.”
Des flinched and nodded slowly, turning to face his mate. “I’m really sorry, Jolie. I already knew who you were after your first date with Gabe. I thought it would be a funny coincidence, and then when the Ball went so badly,” his sister winced. “I thought it could be a cute meet and make up.”
Jolie stared at him, feet rooted to the ground in shock. It was the third woman who broke the silence. “What a clusterfuck. You must be Gabe. I’m Zane. Her bestie that is going to whoop you for hurting her.” The woman was small. He could take her. Zane rested a hand on his mate’s shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “Let’s get out of here, hon.” Zane looked to Des. “Mona, I’ll send you a bill for the consult. We won’t be taking this job.”
The words bellowed out of him before he could call them back. “My mate. Mine.” He took a step closer. “You’re mine.” And another. Zane stood between them, and he shook his head. “Move.”
Jolie’s voice was soft, but carried to him, the gentle tones nearly snatching away what remained of his control. “Go, Zane. We need to settle this.”
At that, the other woman reluctantly stepped to the side. “I think I lost that bet.”
Then he was close enough to touch Jolie. Their heat mingled and he could smell her again, her delicious scent filling his lungs. He breathed deep, drawing it in and savoring the mixture of sweet heat.
Their gazes locked and she spoke first. “You lied. I don’t know who you are.”
This time her eyes weren’t broken and sad. They were angry and strong. He reveled in her perfection. “I made a mistake. But you are mine. I’ll spend forever making it right.” He lowered his face to hers, again holding himself millimeters away. “Tell me you aren’t mine.”
